At YOLARA, we believe that a mistake made in the struggle to survive should never define a young person’s entire life.

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In many informal settlements, young people often encounter the criminal justice system without the protection of proper legal representation.

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Poverty means that when a child or youth is arrested, there is rarely a lawyer present to ensure their rights are protected.

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As a result, many are wrongfully profiled, falsely accused, or pushed through legal processes they do not fully understand.

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At the same time, some young people find themselves involved in minor or survival-related offences—stealing food, acting under pressure from older gang members, or making desperate choices in environments where legitimate opportunities are scarce. Without legal support, these moments can quickly turn into lifelong criminal records that permanently limit their future.

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YOLARA provides pro bono legal representation to indigent children and youths to ensure that poverty does not determine the quality of justice a young person receives.

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Our legal support serves two critical purposes. First, we defend young people who are wrongfully accused or unfairly targeted because of their socio-economic background. Second, when a young person has made a mistake, we advocate for fair, rehabilitative outcomes that allow them to rebuild their lives rather than become permanently trapped in the criminal justice system.

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Since 2020, YOLARA has taken on 100 cases. Of these cases: 5 resulted in acquittals, where the young persons were found not guilty. 18 cases were withdrawn, often after legal intervention clarified the circumstances. 30 young people were placed in diversion programs, allowing them to avoid criminal records while receiving structured support. 47 cases are currently ongoing, with continued legal representation provided by YOLARA.